Facebook-f Linkedin

it's time for Bronzeville's

RENAISSANCE

Renaissance: a revival of or renewed interest in something.

Building on the rich culture of its historical past while honoring the current beauty within, we believe in the renewal of Bronzeville’s strength by creating economic corridors to help foster a community that is authentic, meaningful and in the best interest of its residents. 

BRONZEVILLE

Bronzeville has a proud, century-long, rich history of contributions to the African American Community. 

Dubbed the Black Metropolis due to its diverse population of young and old, poor and prosperous, professionals and laborers, Bronzeville served as the landing point for the Great Migration in Chicago. 

The community has birthed some of Black America’s greatest businesses, finance, architecture and other cultural enterprises where many artists, musicians, and writers called Bronzevillehome.

THE COMMUNITY

WE DARE TO BUILD BRONZEVILLE THROUGH

COMMUNITY

CULTURE

COMMERCE

COMMITMENT

Meet The Team

Rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit and Bronzeville neighborhood, we are comprised of a diverse group of skilled professionals with extensive experience in real estate, community development, social impact, legal, restaurants, hospitality, retail and marketing. We have curated a nimble and dynamic team whose expertise brings unique perspectives and vantage points leading to innovative deal structures and rewarding outcomes.

Facebook Twitter Linkedin
Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin-in
Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin-in

Contact Us

Facebook-f Envelope Linkedin-in

ROBERT JOHNSON

A social entrepreneur who describes himself as a “lawpreneur”, which he describes as, “one who engages in working adroitly in both disciplines of law and business”. Robert seeks to utilize his experience of over 25 years in law, business management, and dispute resolution both domestically and internationally to transform organizations, communities, and individuals. Robert is the Chief Economic Inclusion Officer and General Counsel for the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. In this capacity, he is responsible for the management of the organization’s Economic Empowerment Institute. The Economic Empowerment Institute includes the Financial Inclusion Institute, the Innovation and Technology Institute, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), StreetWise, and the Workforce Development Department.

Mr. Johnson is also the Managing Partner of the Solomon Group LLC, (www.solomongroupint.com) a social enterprise management consulting firm that provides business management, leadership development, and access to capital for minority and women entrepreneurs. He has provided expertise in customer claims handling and crisis management for McDonald’s markets in Europe, Australia, Latin America, Canada, and Asia.

Robert also serves on the advisory board of Gromentum, a social equity cannabis accelerator, and is a member of the Cook County Cannabis Commission. He has been an active advocate for social equity applicants and works tirelessly to promote wealth creation in underserved communities. Mr. Johnson developed an economic model called the Social Determinants of Wealth to address community transformation and development goals. He received his Juris Doctorate for the University of Illinois College of law and dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Economics and Business Administration, and Sociology and Anthropology from Knox College.

Robert lives in Bronzeville with his wife and son.

ERICK WILLIAMS

Experienced Partner with a demonstrated history of working in the hospitality industry. Skilled in Catering, Food & Beverage, Event Planning, Hospitality Management, and Customer Service. Strong operations. A Chicago native with a formidable career, Erick opened Virtue (www.virtuerestaurant.com) in November 2018. Virtue is Williams’ first solo concept. Nestled in the heart of the historic Hyde Park neighborhood, located on Chicago’s south side, the restaurant, which attracts guests both from throughout Chicagoland and around the globe, unites his 25 years off fine dining expertise. 

 

Since opening, Williams and Virtue have been featured in a host of local and national journals and television programs. The New York Times named him one of America’s black chefs changing food dialogue in America (2019). Virtue also earned its place on Esquire magazine’s annually anticipated list of Best New Restaurants (2019). Television  writer and producer Phil Rosenthal included Williams in his hit Netflix series, “Somebody Feed Phil” (debuting summer 2020). Williams also received a coveted Award nomination by the James Beard Foundation in the Best Chef Great Lakes category (2020).

 

Williams’ foray and eventual establishment in the culinary scene began at mk The Restaurant working alongside admired chef Michael Kornick. His home for nearly two decades, Williams held the position of Executive Chef at mk, where he was extolled for his farm-to-fork, seasonal approach. During his tenure, the restaurant amassed a fiercely loyal patronage while consistently receiving accolades from coast to coast.

 

Williams lives in Chicago’s Bronzeville community with his wife and son.



SHERMAN WRIGHT

Sherman Wright is the co-founder and managing partner of TEN35 (www.ten35.com), a creative company specializing in transforming brands through culture. An entrepreneur whose work and thought leadership has created award-winning campaigns for global brands including Pepsi, Nike, Disney, Microsoft, Polaris, Stellantis, American Express, JP Morgan Chase, Meta, and the City of Chicago. Sherman’s accomplishments have been recognized by The New York Times, Inc., Advertising Age, Adweek, Black Enterprise, The Chicago Tribune, and Crain’s Chicago Business to name a few.

His entrepreneurial education began at Texas A&M University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism. He is a lifelong learner with continued studies at Dartmouth Tuck Executive Education and completed Chicago United’s Corporate Governance Executive Education program developed by the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business.

Professionally, Sherman serves on the board of directors for The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), a member of the Young President’s Organization (YPO), and an inductee into the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. Sherman is an alumnus of Crain’s Chicago Business’ 40 under 40 and has been recognized by Texas A&M’s Aggie 100 for leading one of the fastest growing Aggie-owned businesses.